Chip detector

Abstract

A chip detector includes a plug configured to be coupled to a housing. The plug includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member spaced apart from each other so as to define a gap therebetween. Each of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is a rare earth magnet. A first electric contact is electrically coupled with the first magnetic member and a second electric contact is electrically coupled with the second magnetic member. A resistor is electrically coupled between the first electric contact and the second electric contact. An energy storage device is configured to provide a voltage difference between the first electric contact and the second electric contact. An indicating member is configured to provide an indication of a flow of current between the first and second electric contacts due to collection of chips in the gap between the first and second magnetic members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A chip detector comprising:
 a plug configured to be coupled to a housing;   a first magnetic member extending from the plug;   a second magnetic member extending from the plug, the second magnetic member spaced apart from the first magnetic member so as to define a gap therebetween, wherein each of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is a rare earth magnet;   a first electric contact electrically coupled with the first magnetic member;   a second electric contact electrically coupled with the second magnetic member;   a resistor electrically coupled between the first electric contact and the second electric contact;   an energy storage device configured to provide a voltage difference between the first electric contact and the second electric contact; and   an indicating member configured to provide an indication of a flow of current between the first electric contact and the second electric contact due to collection of chips in the gap between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.